Matt & Phred is a jazz club in Northern Quarter, Manchester. Rated 4.7 stars from 2069 Google reviews. Known for live music calibre and friendly, attentive staff. Best for live music nights and date nights. Price range: ££.
Rankings updated May 2026
Matt & Phred
Quick Verdict
A warmly run jazz club where talented live performers and genuinely friendly staff create nights worth returning for.
You want to catch world-class live jazz with genuinely friendly staff in an intimate, buzzing Northern Quarter setting.
About Matt & Phred
Matt & Phred's is a cornerstone jazz venue in Manchester's Northern Quarter, where live music and convivial atmosphere converge nightly. The club hosts an eclectic roster of performers—from Loud Noises Brass Band to Maya Blandy, Max Rosen Trio, and Hurricane Blues Band—drawing audiences across age groups who come for the musicianship and stay for the energy. The space balances intimacy with capacity; reviewers praise the "lovely" and "super friendly" bar staff, quick service, and a welcoming vibe that feels "like being at home." Pizza (including gluten-free options with advance notice), cocktails, and a solid beer selection anchor the drinks programme, with a generous happy hour (typically 7–8 p.m.) that keeps the place accessible. Bookable seating is essential—especially for free or low-cost Monday night jazz sessions, which fill quickly—but the reward is a front-row seat to some of Manchester's most talented live performers in a space that radiates genuine warmth and musical credibility.
What Stands Out
Live music calibre
Reviewers consistently praise the musicianship and talent of performers (Maya Blandy, Max Rosen Trio, Hurricane Blues Band, Loud Noises Brass Band), with one noting 'insanely talented' and another calling it 'best jazz in manchester'.
Friendly, attentive staff
Multiple reviews highlight 'lovely staff', 'super friendly' bar team, 'bar staff were on the ball', and one bartender (Mark) specifically praised for making the evening special.
Accessible happy hour & bookable seating
Reviewers note 'generous happy hour', good cocktail prices, free or low-cost entry to many shows, and the necessity to book ahead—which ensures you get a table for what one reviewer calls 'whining away many hours'.
Practical Information
Contact
Frequently Asked Questions about Matt & Phred
Yes, especially for free or low-cost Monday night jazz sessions, which fill quickly. Booking online is strongly recommended to secure seating and avoid disappointment.
Matt & Phred's serves pizzas (including gluten-free with advance notice) and bar snacks. Portions are generous, and the pizza is frequently praised by reviewers.
Happy hour typically runs 7–8 p.m., offering generous cocktail prices and good value on drinks—a popular reason to visit on weeknights.
Yes. Reviewers specifically mention returning for date nights, praising the live music, cocktails, and relaxed, friendly atmosphere that makes it ideal for couples.
The venue hosts a diverse roster of live jazz and related genres—from traditional jazz trios to brass bands and blues—with both ticketed and free/low-cost shows.
Intimate, warm, and buzzing. Reviewers describe it as 'lovely', 'chilled out', and feeling 'like being at home', with a genuine sense of community across all age groups.
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